Notes From Readers: Keeping It Real

Notes From Readers: Keeping It Real

Kudos to Leigh Brown for such a refreshing article (“Forget the Facade,” March/April 2014, page 16). In our industry, it seems like we spend most of our time catering to others’ needs. We are told to emit a bland, professional exterior. Stay neutral. Don’t get personal. I say bull honky. My business is 100 percent referral. My existing clients know exactly who they are referring, and my new clients know exactly who is going to show up. —Cami Pinsak, Realty ONE Group Summit, Ventura, Calif.

You don’t have to hide yourself away. I loved Leigh Brown’s “Top of Mind” article about forgetting the facade. When I first started 29 years ago, I tried to be someone I was not and did not really find true success until I was myself. I hear so many agents saying “You don’t want to post anything political on Facebook since it may cost you business.” My views (and my profession) are very front and center. I never shy away from a (respectful) debate on religion or politics. Never have I lost business from it. People want to know who you are, not who you are not. Leigh Brown nails it. —Scott R. Bader, CRB, GRI, Coldwell Banker, The Real Estate Group Inc. Fish Creek, Wisc.

Shout-Out to GRI

I read the article on affiliate organizations and designations (“Dig Deeper, Get Smarter,” March/April, 2014, page 38). Where is GRI? GRI is at the grassroots level of promoting professionalism and does not require an annual renewal fee. My hat is off to licensees who aspire to obtaining a GRI as a basis for considering themselves a professional. Most brokers don’t take the time to teach the basics these licensees can learn in GRI classes. —Cindy Lynch, CRS, GRI, Prudential Lynch Realty, Ruidoso, N.M.

Editor’s Note: In an article whose main focus was NAR’s affiliated societies, institutes, and councils, unfortunately, we did not have space to discuss all of NAR’s 11 designations and certifications. So thank you for this shout-out to GRI. See the full list at realtor.org.

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